TimeformBlog

Alderluck got off the mark over fences in novice chase at Plumpton (3¼m) last winter. Arrives on back of a solid effort at Wetherby (25f) in first-time blinkers for new yard. Frame claims if building on that.

Drybrook Bedouin goes well here, with course form reading 2311, third in this race last year and winning 4m Devon Marathon penultimate start. Below that level last time, but not dismissed back at this venue.

Clash Duff was a point winner and progressing under Rules, landing novice chase at Huntingdon (3m) penultimate start. Solid 3½ lengths fifth at Warwick (29f) in cheekpieces latest, and even stiffer test will suit.

Roseneath won 4 times over fences, most recently on reappearance at Hereford (25f) in November. Pulled up and then refused to race in two starts since, though, so questions to answer.

Upham Atom was a Wincanton winner last March, and back to best when winning at Folkestone (31f) last week, jumping better than has sometimes been the case. 7 lb penalty makes things tougher, but respected.

Martimers Cross got back to form with a bang to land pair of Fontwell handicap chases recently, jumping well. Has to defy 7 lb penalty and step up in trip, but wouldn't rule out doing so in current mood.

Fair Point is lightly raced for his age and showed he still has something to offer when third in 3m handicap at Kempton on return in December, but gone backwards last twice, and opposable at present.

Flying Award was a dual handicap hurdle winner last season who has taken well to fences in recent weeks, winning 3¼m Plumpton handicap last week. Penalty demands more but unexposed granted stamina test.

Diamond Brook has a patchy profile, but goes well here. On a fair mark if bouncing back from pulled-up effort last time, and not dismissed.

Ammunition was better than ever last season, winning 3 times, including this race. Bounced back from 3 poor runs when returned to this track (3m) latest, and another to consider racing off last winning mark.

How's My Friend caught the eye in defeat on several occasions this season, and better than bare form of latest third on handicap debut at Towcester (2¾m). Becoming frustrating but too early to write off up in trip.

Always Bold returned to form when landing back-to-back 27f Fontwell handicap hurdles in November. Had jumping/temperament issues recently, though, and beaten when falling latest. Others preferred.

Atherstone Hill has come back from lengthy absence and was an improved performer in a visor last winter, winning twice at Towcester. Returned better than ever to win at Warwick (3¼m) in November, and marathon trip may suit.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Clash Duff
2. Ammunition
3. Mortimers Cross

Timeform View: A wide-open contest in which it's possible to make out a case for plenty, but the tentative vote goes to Clash Duff, who is unexposed and shapes as if he'll be suited by the sort of stamina test this will provide. Ammunition and Mortimers Cross head the list of dangers.

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